?lack or insufficient ride safety instructions ?poor maintenance ?negligence on the part of the amusement park ?the rider's health condition ?negligence on the part of the guests
Amusement park accidents can result in serious bodily harm or injury to a person. He/she can be a guest or a worker. In 2005, there were more than 15,000 amusement ride-related injuries in the US according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The most common injuries include:
?contusion, abrasion ?strain or sprain ?laceration ?fracture ?concussion ?internal organ injury
The Consumer Product Safety Act defines amusement ride as ?any mechanical device which carries or conveys passengers along, around, or over a fixed or restricted route within a defined area for the purpose of giving its passengers amusement, which is customarily controlled or directed by an individual who is employed for that purpose and who is not a consumer with respect to that device??
An in-depth investigation conducted by the CPSC revealed several hazard patterns associated with amusement ride-related incidents.
Mechanical failures ? These include missing safety pins, broken welds or structural components, exposed electrical wires, broken drive chains, malfunctioning lap bars or other safety restraints, failure to shutoff, improper detachment of cars and improper detachment of structural components.
Operator behaviors ? These include abruptly stopping the ride following an apparent mechanical failure, improperly assembling or maintaining the ride and defeating safety equipment such as brakes and automatic overheat cutoff switches.
Consumer behaviors ? These include intentionally rocking cars, standing up, defeating safety restraints, sitting improperly such as sideways or with feet above lap bar, holding a child above the safety restraint, and in one instance, a disembarking passenger intentionally restarted the ride by pressing the start button as other passengers were disembarking.
Others ? Include rides that can injure people while apparently functioning normally, without an unusual or inappropriate behavior on the part of consumers or operators. An example is a hand-powered ride called the ?Spaceball? in which the occupant is spun extremely rapidly. Five reports of eye hemorrhage and one report of retinal tear and possible cerebral edema were associated with this ride.
CPSC files document reported cases of amusement ride-related cerebral and retinal hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, loss of consciousness, headache and dizziness. Fatalities with little or no overt trauma have occurred during or after rides which induce abrupt changes in speed and direction.
For injuries sustained by guests, the law holds the owner or operator of amusement parks responsible under any of the following:
?negligence or tort ?product liability ?premises liability
Once liability is established, the victim will be entitled to compensation. The amount awarded may vary depending on the degree of negligence and the extent of the injury or loss.
There are law firms particularly in LA, which specialize in amusement parks accidents. To recover what is rightfully due, one who has figured in this type of accident is strongly advised to consult with one.
The city of Orlando, located in the U.S. State of Florida, is known all around the world thanks to its theme parks. Featuring some of the world's best theme and amusement parks, this tourist destination offers to million of visitors annually the opportunity to take a close portrait photograph with Mickey or see Shrek hugging dad while he waits in line to purchase tickets. The famous Walt Disney World Resort, the Sea World and the Universal Orlando Resort, offer thrilling rides, 3D movies, and all sort of extreme adventures, based mainly on cartoon or movie characters known to us since the time we were kids. But if one does not have kids, is there a reason to spend a small fortune for just a ride?
Well, I wish the answer was a simple yes or no. Allow me to argue before casting a stone. Last Christmas (no, not the one I gave you my heart as Wham mentioned in their famous 80s song) I was visited by my folks who decided to spend their Christmas and New Years vacations in United States for the first time. Since my brother is currently a resident of South Florida, it was inevitable for us to go where the weather conditions would be better. Thus, after taking care of some personal business, I flew to South Florida to join my family and spend my winter vacations in a sunny climate for the first time.
Since my brother was really excited that we were all together again, he proposed a short journey to one or Orlando's theme parks as none of us had ever visited one. We immediately agreed and two days later we drove to discover the Islands of Adventure and jump into the actions of the Universal Studios movies.
To my surprise, I really enjoyed our visit there and although I was really glad to have the opportunity of experiencing yet another of our legendary family trips, I was secretly worried that the whole experience would prove to be a really boring one, apart for myself, for my parents, who I regret to admit are now of a certain age that does not permit them to experience an excitement as a ten year old would. But to my astonishment, my father was the one dragging us from venue to venue, insisting to visit every single place in the theme park -the daily tickets must have been on sale- and was always pointing something new, something fun we should not miss to explore. I will not mislead you by saying that he or my mother decided to get on those "terrifying trains" as they called them, but they did not go up against our determination to ride them again and again or to laugh while listening to our happy screams. So, yes it is true. I really enjoyed my first visit at a theme park. Perhaps I have excuses, like the fact that I have not seen my parents or brother for a long time, or that I was under tremendous stress for more than six months and this was my first chance to let myself again relax and enjoy the ride.
So, regardless if you are accompanying your nephew or daughter, you should take some time off when you get the chance and experience how it feels to see earth while hanging upside down at 125 feet over the ground ridding the Fire or Ice Dragon as they narrowly pass within inches from each other, on a roller coaster running at a speed of 55 mph.
Both Jamil Estorninos & Jonathon Hardcastle are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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